Beersmith Gastropub, The CBD’s Biggest, Newest (and Only) Brewpub

Located on the first floor of the so-new-the-paint-is-still-wet Hotel Jen, Beersmith Gastropub has finally opened its doors to the public, and they certainly know how to make the most of a massive space. With 250 seats, 12 massive, 100-liter copper beer tanks (each embossed with a laser-cut Chinese zodiac sign), pool tables, and big screens for sports, this is somewhere you could post up for hours, if not days (given you have a hotel room).

Those immense tanks are to thank for the 16 beers on tap, including an easy-drinking blonde ale with nutty and sweet tones (4.8 percent ABV); a full-bodied English porter with a fruity aroma (5.5 percent ABV); and an IPA with tropical and citrus notes (6.5 percent ABV), which went down the hatch particularly smooth. For a hotel bar, the prices are reasonable – a pint of beer costs RMB 48-60 and a flight of four is RMB 90 (including service charge and VAT).

“At Beersmith Gastropub, we take great care in monitoring the process every step of the way, from grain to glass, to ensure maximum enjoyment,” brewmaster Tom Ashton, who previously managed brewing at Great Leap Brewing, explains. “My philosophy is using the best ingredients available, whether they are imported or local. We’re looking to create a beer range inspired by international styles from around the world: German kölsch, English porter, Belgian saison, New World IPA, New Zealand golden ale, as well as ciders.”

The gastro pub also offers hearty Western bar food to soak up all that beer, including classic snacks, soups, burgers, pasta, salads, and desserts. Among the highlights are the porter-marinated black pork ribs with mashed potatoes and corn (RMB 128), and the Wagyu beef burger (RMB 88) with its thick patty topped with cheese, tomato, and an aioli sauce that pops but doesn’t overwhelm. Perfect for munching while drinking, the pils battered cod and chips (RMB 98) are certainly worth a mention, the crisp crust bearing a subtle beery flavor.

Given that Beersmith is officially CBD’s first brewpub, we expect productivity in the area to have dipped considerably come the next quarter’s results, but only time will tell if this hotel-affixed venue will attract Beijing’s beer lovers from further afield on the merits of its brew alone.

Beersmith Gastropub
Daily 11am-2am. 1/F, Hotel Jen Beijing, 1 Jianguomen Waidajie, Chaoyang District (6505 2277)
鲜啤吧：朝阳区建国门外大街1号新国贸饭店1层

More stories by this author here.

Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
Instagram: @flyingfigure

Photos Courtesy of Beersmith, Tracy Wang